Downtowner DC June 20, 2018

Franklin School to Become ‘Planet Word’
At the end of 2019, the historic Franklin School — a former public school that has been ahomeless shelter, a teacher’s college, the scene of protests and a site where Alexander Graham Bell tested an invention — is set to become “Planet Word,” an experiential museum of language. Exhibits in the National Historic Landmark will center around nouns, verbs, adjectives, questions and (for all the dads who love a good dad joke) puns. The budget tocreate “Planet Word” is about $30 million. Admission will be free.

Veterans’ Housing Breaks Ground in D.C.
A development for formerly homeless veterans has broken ground at the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus in Northwest D.C. Nonprofit HELP USA will provide 77 furnished apartments through the use of a former military building on the campus (the medical facility relocated to Bethesda in 2011). The reuse project is part of Mayor MurielBowser’s Roots to Roofs housing initiative.

Deer Sprints Along Crystal City Metro Platform
Having managed to make its way over fencing and through a tunnel, a deer accidentally made its way onto the platform at the Crystal City Metro station last week around 8:30 a.m. Miraculously, it safely exited, without being electrocuted by the third rail or struck by a train during the busy morning rush. The incident took place the same day as the Caps’ Stanley Cup parade, so perhaps all it wanted to do was get downtown to see the cup.

Indecent Exposure Arrest in West End
Douglas Lee Pritchard, a 58-year-old man from Northwest D.C., was arrested last week for indecent exposure in the 2100 block of N Street NW. Pritchard approached his victim around 11 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, exposed himself, then ran away, per the Washington Post. There have been similar incidents in Georgetown and Foggy Bottom, but no word yet if they are linked.

Area Housing Prices Highest in 10 Years
The median price of homes in the D.C. metropolitan area has reportedly reached its highest point — $465,000 — in 10 years. Inventory remains low and May prices rose 1.1 percent from a year ago, according to listing service Bright MLS. A bright spot for buyers: the number of new listings in May was up three percent, also reaching a 10-year high. May sellers got about 99 percent of their asking price and homes sold in under 10 days.

To Feel Rich in D.C., Shoot for $3 Million
A Charles Schwab survey, part of the company’s Modern Wealth Index, found that D.C. area residents said it takes $2.7 million to feel rich and $1.3 million to feel financially comfortable. Some answers as to how Washingtonians define wealth: “living stress free” and “being able to afford what I want.” Those who plan show better daily money habits than those who do not: 68 percent are able to pay their bills and save. Younger Washingtonians are more focused on financial planning, according to Schwab.